PROMOTER Danny Ford issued a message of thanks to those in attendance as Pirates fans finally returned to Wimborne Road on Wednesday.

The Dorset club ended a run of more than 600 days without a home meeting due to the coronavirus pandemic – with a 52-38 victory over Berwick in the SGB Championship.

Around 1,000 fans were under strict coronavirus protocols, including wearing facemasks at all times and sticking to their set viewing positions.

Ford told the club website: "On behalf of the Poole promotion I would like to thank everyone who attended our opening fixture on Wednesday night and especially for their co-operation as we faced speedway racing in these difficult times.

"It was all a bit strange to be honest but with the help of all the volunteers and staff we managed it the best we could and I am really proud of everyone for a job well done.

"We await with interest now as to how the Government proceeds with the roadmap out of restrictions and hopefully for our next meeting in a couple of weeks we will be able to welcome a lot more supporters back when we face 'Bomber' (Chris Harris) and his Birmingham teammates."